Robert Morris vs. Alabama March Madness Preview and Prediction
In the No. 15 vs. No. 2 matchup in the NCAA Tournament East Region, the Robert Morris Colonials face the Alabama Crimson Tide in first-round action.
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How to Watch Robert Morris vs. Alabama
When: 12:40 p.m. ET on Friday, March 21st
Where: Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio
Watch: truTV
Odds for Robert Morris vs. Alabama
(odds current at time of publish)
Spread: Alabama -22.5 (-110), Robert Morris +22.5 (-110)
Total: Over 166.5 (-110), Under 166.5 (-110)
DraftKings Betting Splits | Live College Basketball Odds | Robert Morris vs. Alabama Matchup Page
Robert Morris vs. Alabama Preview & Prediction
Alabama and Robert Morris will meet in a first-round NCAA Tournament clash that pits a perennial SEC powerhouse against a Horizon League underdog. Alabama, the No. 2 seed in the East Region, enters the tournament as one of the most dynamic teams in the country under head coach Nate Oats. The Crimson Tide have transformed into a basketball juggernaut, making their fifth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance and coming off their first-ever Final Four last season. Meanwhile, Robert Morris, a No. 15 seed, is savoring its return to March Madness after a decade-long absence, having punched its ticket by winning the Horizon League Tournament.
The Crimson Tide’s up-tempo style defines their identity. Alabama boasts the highest adjusted tempo under Oats since his arrival in 2019-20, emphasizing fast breaks and efficient shot selection. They rank among the nation’s leaders in Rim & 3 Rate, prioritizing shots at the rim and beyond the arc while avoiding low-value mid-range attempts. Their athleticism and ability to get to the basket are evident in their top-10 ranking in dunks, and their offensive philosophy has made them a nightmare matchup for most teams.
However, Alabama showed some vulnerability late in the season, dropping four of six games during a grueling SEC stretch before rebounding with an overtime win at Auburn. Those losses came against top-tier opponents, but they raise questions about how Alabama might fare deeper into tournament play. Despite these concerns, Alabama’s overall performance throughout the season has been impressive, consistently ranking high in metrics like Erik Haslam’s “Record Quality.” And the Tide really shouldn’t be at risk of losing to a much lesser opponent.
Robert Morris, by contrast, thrives on disciplined team basketball. The Colonials led the Horizon League in effective field goal percentage defense and ranked in the top 25 nationally in Assist Rate, showcasing their emphasis on ball movement and creating open looks. However, they lack standout statistical strengths and face significant challenges against Alabama’s relentless pace and firepower. The Colonials’ schedule strength—ranked in the 300s nationally—also leaves them untested against elite competition.
On paper, this matchup heavily favors Alabama. The Crimson Tide’s ability to dictate tempo and exploit mismatches at both ends of the floor makes them an overwhelming favorite against a Robert Morris team that doesn’t shoot enough 3s or defend well enough at the rim to disrupt Alabama’s rhythm. If Robert Morris gets drawn into a track meet, it could spell trouble for the Colonials, who lack the offensive firepower to keep up.
While upsets are always possible in March Madness, Alabama appears poised to advance comfortably. The Crimson Tide’s depth, athleticism, and offensive efficiency should overwhelm Robert Morris as they look ahead to potentially intriguing matchups against contrasting styles later in the tournament. Their path could include a slow-paced game against Saint Mary’s or a high-scoring affair with Vanderbilt, setting up a potential showdown with Duke in the Elite Eight.
Estimated Score: Alabama 96.2, Robert Morris 74
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